Frances Hodges

Frances Stanton Hodges passed away August 16, 2017, at her home after a brief illness and a long battle with heart failure.

Fran was born October 8, 1938, in Eureka, Utah, to James Francis Stanton and Evelyn Nelson Stanton. She was the fourth of seven children in a very close, loving family. She grew up in Park City, long before it was a tourist mecca, and retained a deep and abiding connection to her hometown throughout her life. Given the geography of Park City, it turned out to be true that when she walked to school it was uphill in both directions!

Without question, Fran's greatest love in life was her family. She gave birth to seven children and claimed three stepchildren as her own, and then welcomed and loved in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in turn. She had a great capacity for love, acceptance, and kindness. Her children remember her for reading and singing to them, passing on a love of both music and books. She was famous for her fudge and peanut brittle-and, less enthusiastically, for her "goulash."

Fran remained close to her siblings throughout her life, and she was affectionately known as "Aunt Fran" to a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. The annual Stanton Family Reunions were a highlight of her year, and Fran was always there, thrilled to spend time with those she loved.

Fran had a great gift for music and shared her beautiful voice in many settings. She performed for many years with the Sweet Adelines singing group, something that gave her great joy and satisfaction. It was a source of sorrow to her when her singing voice diminished in recent years.

Fran was a survivor. She endured many tragedies, sorrows, and challenges in her life. She learned great faith through the trials she endured, and she sought to pass on that faith to her children and grandchildren. She served in many capacities in the LDS Church but especially enjoyed working with children. She also loved serving as a Family History missionary.

We were not ready to say goodbye, Mom, but every one of your descendants knows that you loved them, and that is the greatest legacy of all.

Fran is survived by her husband, Mike Hodges; children: Mike (and Lisa) Tait; Jamie (and Jared) King; Scott (and Jenny) Hodges; Paul (and Manilyn) Hodges; Dan (and Paloma) Hodges; 26 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many others whom she claimed and was claimed by. She was preceded in death by two of her children, Pat and Nicole, and by three of her siblings, Jim, Brian, and Bob.

A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 South 700 East, Draper, and Friday, August 25, from 10-10:45 a.m. at the River 8th Ward building, 1239 West Country Creek Drive, South Jordan, with services starting at 11 a.m. Interment in South Jordan Cemetery.